Kim Young-kwang faces backlash following retaliatory driving apology

Former national football goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang has issued a formal apology regarding allegations of retaliatory driving, but public reaction remains largely critical.

In a statement posted to social media on the 9th, Kim noted that while he had cooperated with police investigations and received a decision of non-indictment due to insufficient evidence, he accepts responsibility for his driving behavior causing discomfort or anxiety to others.

The controversy stems from a March incident in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where a white SUV allegedly overtook a taxi in a tunnel and cut it off. Although the police decided not to send the case for prosecution in June, the public backlash has intensified. Many netizens have criticized the apology, suggesting he should apologize directly to the taxi driver rather than the general public, and noting the discrepancy between his recent positive media persona and the incident.